England and the RFU have fiercely condemned World Rugby’s decision not to charge Bongi Mbonambi after Tom Curry accused him of two counts of “racially abusive behaviour”.
Steve Borthwick, the England head coach, continually repeated that Curry, the 25-year-old flanker, was an innocent “victim who has not been able to have his voice heard”.
Maro Itoje, the lock, hailed Curry’s “courageous” decision to raise his complaint. Earlier on Thursday, the RFU said it was “deeply disappointed” in World Rugby, who it feels have not investigated the matter fully.
The sport’s global governing body announced on Thursday morning that there was insufficient evidence to press charges against Mbonambi, the 32-year-old South Africa hooker, who starts Saturday’s World Cup final against New Zealand.
Curry approached the referee, Ben O’Keeffe, during England’s World Cup semi-final defeat by South Africa and said: “Sir, if their hooker calls me a white c***, what do I do?” The referee replied: “Nothing, please.”
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The RFU reported the incident to World Rugby and Curry informed the investigation that he had also been the victim of the same abuse, from the same player, in the Test at Twickenham last November.
World Rugby said it had considered “all the available evidence, including match footage, audio and evidence from both teams” and determined there was “insufficient evidence at this time to proceed with charges”.
Livid with this conclusion, the RFU issued a strongly worded statement in response. It read: “The RFU fully supports Tom Curry in raising the racially abusive behaviour he experienced whilst playing for England against South Africa.
“The RFU is deeply disappointed by the decision taken by World Rugby. The decision not to put the evidence before an independent disciplinary panel has denied the disciplinary process the opportunity to hear Tom Curry’s voice and to independently assess his account of these serious events, together with the other available evidence.”
Before his team play Argentina on Friday night in the World Cup’s third-fourth play-off match, in which Curry will win his 50th cap, Borthwick also rounded on World Rugby.
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“Let’s be clear Tom Curry has done nothing wrong,” he said. “We have got a victim of a situation who has not been able to have his voice heard. That’s where the disappointment really comes in.
“Somebody has said something to Tom Curry, Tom’s reported it, he’s been in a situation where World Rugby made a decision not to allow the opportunity for the victim’s voice to be heard.
“I think everything we have done, and everything Tom has done, has been in the right way. World Rugby have come to this decision, which is incredibly disappointing.”
England are furious that Curry has become the target of “disgusting” social media abuse. He has been labelled a racist, called a liar and received threats of violence against him on social media. His family have been targeted too.
World Rugby said it condemned the abuse while Siya Kolisi, the South Africa captain, said on Thursday morning that he had reached out to Curry after hearing that he had been targeted online.
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The RFU said it was deplorable that someone who had the “courage” to take a stand should be treated in such a way.
“In their continued full support of Tom, the RFU together, with the England squad, condemn the disgusting abuse he and his family has received on social media as a result of his having had the courage to put unacceptable behaviour that has no place in society or on the rugby field, in the public eye,” it said in the statement.
“Abuse of any kind is not acceptable and goes against the core values of rugby. It is important that it is safe and acceptable for everyone involved in rugby union to raise concerns, and the RFU continue to encourage everyone to report any unacceptable behaviour in the game.”
Itoje reinforced those words. “Tom has been tremendous. He’s been courageous to do what he’s done in the manner he’s done it, as Steve said, through proper channels, conducting himself in the manner he should be proud of. Definitely as team-mates, we are proud of him,” the 28-year-old lock said.
“To make a statement like that isn’t easy. To call out stuff like that isn’t easy. As you’ve seen this week, when you do something courageous like that, you put yourself out there. He’s been absolutely fantastic in that regard.”
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The Springboks feel that Mbonambi, 32, has been vindicated by World Rugby’s decision to take no further action.
Rassie Erasmus, their director of rugby, has changed the photograph on his Twitter account to one of his hooker, showing his support.
SA Rugby, the South African governing body, said in a statement: “Any form of racism is abhorrent to SA Rugby and the Springbok team whose purpose is to do everything in its power to assist in uniting our diverse and multicultural nation.
“Bongi Mbonambi is an experienced, respected and decorated Test player and, needless to say, denied the allegations from the outset. SA Rugby has absolute faith in the honesty and integrity of Bongi.
“The team’s focus remains, as it has throughout the week, on Saturday’s match against New Zealand. SA Rugby will make no further comment on the matter.”
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Meanwhile George Martin, the 22-year-old lock, has injured his knee and will see a specialist on his return home next week. He is wearing a protective brace on his right leg, having suffered the blow against South Africa in the semi-final.
“We don’t anticipate it being a major long-term problem but will make sure it is handled right,” Borthwick said. “It made him unavailable for selection this weekend.”
